Club Gold Liberty Bank is Cruising the Illinois River Aboard the Spirit of Peoria October 4­6, 2009 What do you get when you mix one part history and one part scenery with some great food, music, relaxation, and adventure? You get a wonderful overnight getaway on the Spirit of Peoria Riverboat! Sunday, October 4, 2009 2:00pm is our departure time from Liberty Bank—3112 Godfrey Road as we set out for Peoria, Illinois. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel and have a chance to refresh. Then we’ll enjoy dinner—on your own. Upon our return to the hotel feel free to take a swim or visit in their spacious breakfast room. Per­
haps a game of cards or join in the fun with a group bingo game. Return to your room at your leisure. Monday, October 5, 2009 (B­L­Snack­D) Bags out early this morning and feel free to grab a pastry or just a cup of coffee before we depart the hotel and head for Spirit of Peoria Landing. Step back in time aboard the Midwest’s most unique and historic riverboat as it travels the Illinois River valley between Peoria and Starved Rock State Park. The Spirit of Peoria is a full­blown replica of the nineteenth century riverboats that used to inhabit the nation’s water­
ways. Decorated in the “wedding cake” style, the Spirit mirrors a Mark Twain era riverboat, complete with an enormous 21­foot diameter paddle wheel. As you board today make yourself comfortable and then enjoy a full breakfast served at 9:30am on the First Deck. Live Ragtime music fills the air and a pro­
fessional riverlorian tells stories on the Boiler Deck. Sit back and enjoy a lazy cruise on the river, read a book, enjoy a card game, or just simply relax as you make your way up river. Don’t forget your sun­
glasses and camera for that oh, so perfect picture as we cruise. The professionals on the Spirit of Peoria say the Starved Rock Lodge Excursions prove the saying that “Getting there is half the fun”. Embark on a journey north from Peoria to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. As the Spirit of Peoria gets un­
derway at the leisurely pace of 7mph, the whistling notes of the calliope fill the air and drift through the valley. Using a delightful mix of river lore and historic facts, the history of the river comes alive through stories and songs from the riverboat’s very own Riverlorian and Master Storyteller, Brian “Fox” Ellis. You’ll also be entertained along the way by world­class ragtime piano player Bev Wolf and musician and songwriter, Barry Cloyd. The food aboard the Spirit is top notch and no one every goes away hungry with American classics such as chef­carved prime rib. An afternoon wine and cheese re­
ception on the Boiler Deck is a perfect complement to the atmosphere of the autumn breezes that surround the river towns we pass. A hint of fall color surrounds us as we paddlewheel our way up the river. Enjoy dinner on the Spirit and then after our scenic day on the Illinois River, we arrive at Starved Rock Landing. Upon arrival at Starved Rock, feel free to explore the grounds and make yourself at home in your com­
fortable surroundings. Experience the fun of an outdoor adventure here. Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportu­
nities abound. Take a look at the hinting fall colors of the black oak, red cedar and white oak as well as the white pine and white cedar that are abundant on the grounds. And if you are more the indoor type, take advantage of the Visitor’s Center that offers displays and exhibits explaining the park’s cultural and natural history. Situated on a high bluff just southwest of the rock itself is the stone and log lodge built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The lodge has been refurbished, but still reflects the peaceful atmosphere of yesteryear. Your room is tucked away here at the Lodge and while here you can enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and the outdoor sunning patio. This evening prepare yourself for a visit from “Mark Twain” himself as he entertains in the Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge. Return to your room at your leisure. Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (B­Snack­L­Late Afternoon Snack) Enjoy a full breakfast at the Lodge this morning before we board our shuttle to take us back to the Spirit of Peoria. Snacks and coffee await us there as well as the music and atmosphere of the morning aboard the vessel. Your day is filled with great food, activities and cruis­
ing as you make your way back to Peoria for disembarkation. Enjoy the music, the storytelling, and the fun aboard the Spirit! In these times of jet airplanes, super trains, and hustle and bustle, the Spirit of Peoria offers a more classic and somewhat classier alternative, all for your en­
joyment! If you’re ready to put relaxation back into your travels, consider this wonderful two day excursion on this amazing riverboat as the way to make that happen. It may just be what you are looking for! We should dock at 5:00pm and begin our return back to Godfrey. We’ll stop along the way for your com­
fort and should arrive back in Godfrey at approximately 8:15pm. Per Person Cost: $465.00 Based on Double Accommodations $599.00 Based on Single Accommodations $100 deposit is due with reservations Final Payment is due on September 1, 2009 Once final payment is made your tour is non­refundable Cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost of $32 per person and must be purchased at the time of your initial deposit. Please send reservations with payment to: Jackie Parks—Liberty Bank P.O. Box 1092 Alton, IL 62002 For Information about this tour please contact Jackie at her new direct line phone number: (618) 463­8359 **Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, binoculars, a good book or magazine, camera and your sun block. Wear casual, layered clothing, sportswear and comfortable shoes.**